The Curvy Sewing Collective says thanks!

Today’s Thanksgiving in the US and we wanted to share all the things we’re most thankful for, as it relates to sewing.

I’m thankful for the Curvy Sewing Collective community! – Jenny

When we set up the CSC nearly 6 months ago, our objective was to create a site which would be a welcome place for all curvy sewists, providing helpful information and advice, and a place to gather. However, I don’t think any of us realized quite how popular it would become! We now have a community of thousands of sewists who are so engaged and supportive, whether that’s contributing articles, supporting other sewists through leaving comments on posts, or chatting in the forums. I think it’s really empowering to know that there are so many other women out there just like you, and I’m thankful that we have had such an awesome reaction to the site. I particularly love the monthly Flickr roundup which highlights the wonderful diversity of the community. The reason the site is thriving is all due to the community, and I’m so thankful for each and every one of you!

I’m thankful that I can sew! -Tanya

I’ve been doing some online and in-store department store Christmas shopping lately and as I’ve been looking for gifts for other people, I’ve been perusing some of the plus-size offerings. All I can say is that I AM SO GLAD that I can make whatever I want whenever I want and in whatever color/print/fabric that I want! Not being limited to what retailers want to offer me is so darn exciting. It makes me thankful everyday that I can sew for my own style beyond any size limitations and grateful that I’ve learned these skills that allow me to do that. What’s even better is that we have this community of curvy gals who inspire me daily and get me thinking about sewing things that I never would have before!

I’m thankful for the plus size sewers who went before me! – T

Nowadays, sewing allows me to redefine who I am and gives me choice in how I show my personality in what I choose to wear. As someone who spent a large portion of their youth swathed in acres of black, this sewing journey has been nothing short of a revelation! My blog, my rediscovered joy of sewing, and most of all my curvy confidence is thanks in large part to the first brave plus size and curvy sewers who decided to write their sewing blogs. Seeing larger women sporting incredibly creative and exciting garments rekindled my love of the sewing craft. I loved reading about their adventures with fabric and found their posts inspiring, funny and also moving. It gave me the courage to push my sewing further, to make what I loved – crazy dresses with cat prints, teapots or pirates on them, and eventually to start my own sewing blog. I even became comfortable in front of a camera – something I never dreamed was possible. These torch bearing gals changed the face of the crafting blog community, and they are also the inspiration for the Collective. I hope that the Curvy Sewing Collective gives many more women that same sense of empowerment and allows woman to really express themselves with what they wear. Happy Thanksgiving!

I’m thankful for freedom from RTW! – Mary

This weekend, I’m starting my dream holiday dress: black velvet, fit-and-flare silhouette, and a hand-beaded neckline. Six years ago, this is exactly the sort of garment I’d have gawked at in a shop, futilely tried on in a size 12, and bemoaned never finding in my size. Now, not only will it be mine, but the fit will be exquisite! Isn’t sewing the most liberating hobby? I am so thankful for the women who taught me this craft, the friends whose blogs give me inspiration everyday, and the skills that allow us all, no matter our sizes, to make the beautiful handmade wardrobes we dream of. It’s a cherry on top of this whole sartorial pie that I get to share this love of sewing with the Curvy Sewing Collective. The only thing better than having freedom from ready-to-wear is having a community of people who understand this impulse to not only create beautiful wardrobes, but to also create a body positive, inspirational change in fashion and the sewing community.

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About Jenny

Jenny is on a mission to help all curvy women feel fantastic by sewing beautifully well-fitting clothes. She runs Cashmerette Patterns, the first sewing patterns designed for curves in sizes 12 - 28, and cup sizes C - H. Jenny blogs at: Cashmerette

Thank you! For inspiring people of all sizes to sew! There have been points in the last 10 years I have considered giving it up. Just based on my shape and size. I am slowly learning not to talk down to myself all the time. Self love is a tall mountain to climb. But I am getting there. No more am I contemplating which diet to go on. Now I am contemplating the next garment I am going to sew.

Lovely post. Thank you all for creating this space that celebrates women of all shapes and sizes. This site has been a constant source of inspiration, and I’m looking forward to seeing the community continue to grow.

The curvy collective has inspired me to sew again! Shopping for size 18 that fits is difficult but adding age to that, 64, made it more difficult. I love fabric and color and creative lines. Thank you for saving my stylish life.

I am thankful for the Collective and all the wealth of information that is shared here. This is truly a space where you can enjoy positive feed back and inspiration. Sewing and sharing the journey is awesome.

We are thankful for you for organizing this group! You inspire me to think outside the box with what I thought I could sew to flatter my plus size measurements. Now when I admire a look, I know I can make it in my size! I eagerly await these posts and look forward to a new year of sewing!

Thank you. You are changing my world too. Little by little. Post by post. Picture by picture. Comment on each adjustment by comment…

My perspective on my shape and size is becoming more realistic – depressingly so sometimes – but then bolstered up by your varied and various posts. It’s shining a light on the real status quo and slowly telling me that that is as it is. No further comment is needed.
The judgemental tone in my thoughts is beginning to quieten as the practical, inspired voice is beginning to see hope, shape, fabric, colour and opportunity….

You are giving me a new mental and visual ‘vocabulary’ with which to deal with me, my shape and my sewing… And for that I’m truly grateful!!!

Thank you again.

I might even manage to get to the stage of posting a photo somewhere (!!)…

I am so thankful for you ladies and the Collective as a whole! I can’t tell you how much you all have helped me with my sewing these past few months. I think I would have given up ages ago if it wasn’t for the constant inspiration, knowledge, and support you all offer. So thanks again for doing all that you do!